Each spring since we arrived at the farm in 2013, the big, aged tree by the barn has defied gravity, even providing a haven, twice, for Toby high in its winter branches out of reach of Jasper the barn cat, who ruled those first few years. The tree overcame pests and signs of disease each spring, surprising us with yet another shady contribution to summer. It did that again this year, but a few days ago, gravity and age won--John sent these two pics...
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Next time I drive to the farm, it will be hard to see the barn without those beautiful branches next to it.
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But Florence the Friendly Chicken will be there. From Wendy...
--or is Flo doing a selfie?
Hey there, Flo, my friendly chicken friend!
Were you here before your egg?
Did you have a mother?
Flo flapped her wings up and down,
But she stayed on the ground.
I asked her, Do chickens fly?
In her chicken voice, she said, Puck, puck, No!
A black bug on the ground got her attention
Then was no more.
I reminded her of my questions,
She said, Read your Chicken Cliff Notes.
--JM
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Art walks our Earth.
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It looks like the tree is still alive and will probably last many more years IF left alone and allowed to heal and grow on its own. No tree removal necessary!
ReplyDeleteAidan and John will try to save part of it. It split vertically about 5-6 years ago in the main trunk. It then was cabled together. It amazed us how it persevered despite that and throwing off disease, too.
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